Fil Am #12'23

Issue 70, December 2023

3 Pinay chefs A sensation at wine & food festival

Nikki Agravante

At the intersection of Law and Fashion

Photo by Don Hudson

Amb. Eddie de Vega A father’s assassination, a family tragedy

Letter from the Editor

Justice for all: De Lima, Duterte and Donald A

few days ago, Leila de Lima walked out of the Philippine National Prison after spending more than six years in jail because of the personal animus of a vindictive ex-President Rodrigo Duterte.

Many are saying it should have happened much earlier. Several inmates who were coerced into testifying against the former From left: Rodrigo Duterte, Leila de Lima and Donald Trump.

Justice secretary linking her to a supposed drug trade had wealthy and the influential. courts have the ability to try recanted their statements. If When law enforcement makes Duterte, President Ferdinand there is any proof that the justice arrests in the Philippines, Marcos Jr. is either being naïve system in the Philippines is the process is usually very or trying to play politics. Is broken, her case is Exhibit A. simple. Lawyers start flexing there anyone out there who This is the prima facie reason their political connections believes in the integrity of some why the Philippines should and ‘padrinos’ and make sure judges and courts when it comes return to the International the suspects are bought or Criminal Court in The Hague and to dispensing justice for the intimidated. Special treatment powerful and the privileged? cooperate with the indictment for the rich is the norm, not the Sadly, the answer is a resounding of Duterte for alleged “human rarity it should always be. rights atrocities.” Anywhere no.

The situation is only slightly from 8,000 (official estimates) We are talking about a former to 30,000 drug suspects (human leader who proudly told his police different in the United States, where Donald Trump seems to rights groups) have been killed officers that if you kill an addict, be getting away with mocking in his barbaric war on drugs, his administration will shield the judicial system. He has receiving no trial, no legal them from prosecution. repeatedly attacked judges and recourse, no sense of justice.

The Philippine legal system court employees infamously seemingly exists to serve the By declaring that Philippine

Founding Editor Cristina DC Pastor

Contributing Writers Tricia J. Capistrano

Managing Editor Rene Pastor Address P.O. Box 8071 New York, NY 10116

calling opponents “vermin” in an echo of the language of Adolf Hitler. A regular suspect who disrespects court officials is likely to face sanctions, or unceremoniously bundled into jail. There appears to be a two-tier system of justice in the United States – one for Trump and another for the rest of Americans.

Equal treatment before the law means precisely that. There should be no special treatment for the rich, powerful, wellconnected and influential, even if they were former presidents.

Trump should be slapped into prison the next time he calls a prosecutor a “thug”. Civil servants deserve respect, not wholesale abuse.

The same treatment should be accorded Duterte who is directly responsible for the thousands of murders during his administration.

"All are equal before the law,” according to Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Race, wealth, gender and power should not matter.

Contact Thefilamny@gmail.com 646-717-7460

Joel David

Ludy AstraquilloOngkeko

Wendell Gaa

Lindy Rosales

Allen Gaborro

Vicky Potenciano-Vitug

The FilAm is a publication of A&V Editorial THE FILAM

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Maricar CP Hampton

When he was 11, Ambassador Eddie de Vega’s father was assassinated…

…T

By Cristina DC Pastor

oday, Eduardo de Vega is the Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers supervising the repatriation of Filipinos out of war-infested Gaza-Israel, drawing inspiration from his late dad who had a storied career in government.

Guillermo de Vega was Presidential Assistant to former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1975 when he was shot dead inside his office in Malacanang Palace.

The New York Time says he was a mere 200 yards from Marcos’s office inside the Palace complex when the fatal gunshots were fired, and that Marcos was actually working that day. Guillermo, also called Gimo, was known to be a hardworking, honest official and a trusted aide of the President. He was given many other responsibilities including chairman of the Board of Censors for Motion Pictures (1969-1975). He was also a published author and a historian.

Gimo’s murder was a crime mystery at that time, with many Filipinos shocked, baffled and angered by the circumstances of how it happened: How was someone carrying a gun allowed entry into the Palace complex, especially with the President working nearby?

Was it a random crime or was it an orchestrated rubout because he knew too much? No one really knows until the case turned cold with the passing of the decades and people just stopped asking questions.

Son Eddie de Vega agreed to share his thoughts when sought by The FilAm to comment on a crushing tragedy that happened to his family almost half a century ago. “Yes, he was assassinated, and it was difficult for us. Very painful,” he said in an email interview.

There were all sort of rumors coming out like locusts from the political woodwork. But there was nothing that would point directly to his boss, the President.

“It was natural for many to suspect at first, and many friends still do,” he said. “But now even my mom says, clearly it was never proven that Marcos had anything to do with it. There simply is no evidence.”

And while Eddie and his two siblings – older sister Maria Margarita and younger brother Jaime Rafael -were thrown into deep sadness and incomprehension, he used his grief to stay “laser-focused” on his future.

“My studies and hobbies (sports, movies, reading, classical music) helped me cope.”

He did not turn to drugs although brother Jaime did experiment, but that phase of his life is over now.

All three of them are living in the Philippines with their mother and “have moved on from that tragedy of nearly 50 years ago.”

His mother Maria Rocio de Vega would inherit her husband’s position as chief movie censor from 1975.

Watching movies may have been a source of relief or distraction and she carried on with her duties until 1981. She never remarried.

“Her friends, pets, her doll collection, and travels have been a source of comfort through the years. Now her prayer group,” he said. “She is fine and is very strong and sharp for a woman in her late 80s.”

On October 27, 2023, Gimo’s birthday where he would have turned 92, Eddie posted a son’s greeting on Facebook: “On my dad’s 48th death anniversary today, I wish to thank him for everything that he did, and continues to do for the family…Thank you, Dad. Rest in peace.”

||NBA Games

He remembered watching NBA Games Sunday nights on TV, during rare moments Gimo would be home because he was often out working. He remembered most especially instilling in him, he said, the honorable way to being a public servant.

“I distinctly remember one time when I couldn't have been more than 9 or 10, how he told me that if ever I grew up and took advantage of my name and committed a misdemeanor, to not count on him for help as he himself might actually be the one to turn me over to authorities. That really left an imprint upon me in the way I conduct myself as a public official,” said Eddie. “I remember from my dad that he was very principled in the way he would raise us.”

Eddie – a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Juris Doctor graduate of UP Diliman -- is currently involved in the repatriation of Filipinos from the war-ravaged Middle East. He was in Dubai on a stopover as he was being interviewed by The FilAm. He was on his way to Egypt on a mission to bring home Filipino families (women married to Palestinian men and their children) caught in the middle of the war.

Before his current position, he was former ambassador to Mexico (2016-2018), and Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union (2018-2022).

What does he tell his daughter Monserrat about her late grandpa? Assassination is a difficult word to pronounce, as it is to explain.

“She never knew her grandpa from my side, but she knew her mom’s dad and now we just say they are together in heaven praying for us,” he said in the very Filipino way to explain relatives who are gone. Eddie is married to fellow diplomat, Theresa de Vega, who is the Philippine ambassador to South Korea. She had previously been consul general to New York.

But public service is what he does, and he has his father’s words to guide and keep him grounded. In his world, that is enough.

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When he was Philippine Ambassador to Belgium from 2018 to 2022. Photo: Philippine Embassy Belgium

Guillermo de Vega’s family in Little Baguio, San Juan: Gimo and wife Maria Rocio or Chuchi with children Maggie, Eddie, and Jaime. Courtesy of Eddie de Vega

St. Agnes’ Academy, Albay’s Class ’59: ‘Alive, well and full of joy’

“O

ra et Labora” is Latin for “Pray and Work”, the motto of the Benedictine German Nuns in St. Agnes’ Academy (SAA) in Albay, Legazpi City from where we, my high school classmates of Class ’59, graduated nearly 65 years ago.

Recently, 11 of us had a reunion in Easthampton where the Lewis family maintains a summer home. We reminisced, laughed, danced, recalled our high school days and sang old SAA cheer songs and Filipino harana melodies.

During our days and nights of camaraderie and sharing, I realized that all 11 of us have gone through marriage life or single blessedness.

We raised our kids as best we could, some became widows, but because we always prayed to our Loving God and worked hard due to the discipline we learned from the Benedictine nuns, we endured, survived, and thrived. Mostly becoming octogenarians, living in the USA, we are alive and well and full of joy, thanks be to God. Our main event planner is Rocio Nuyda, nee Casimiro. Gratefully, she was the lead Impresario for my 2023 California book tour in April, June and September. Widowed at 42 years old, she is the mother of five professional children, all of whom she raised single-handedly; she has 12 grandchildren. She retired from a senior executive position in credit card processing company, a position she held for over three decades.

Leonor Bismonte nee Cabigao and I were seatmates in high school. She was also our editor in chief at The Agnesian. She has seven children, five are married, and has nine grandkids and one great grandson. Her husband, Jun Bismonte, through his work with the United Nations, brought all of them to the USA because they knew their children faced few opportunities in Legazpi City. Jun passed seven years ago on December 7, 2016.

SAA Eleven in their blue & white uniforms. Seated L-R: Rocio Casimiro Nuyda; Loida Nicolas Lewis; Sister Maribel Carceller. Standing L-R: Jennie Yap Chan; Lourdes Filipinas (Babie) Lianko Chua; Norma Balana Rubio; Josefina Ruivivar Perez; Angelita Altea; Leonor Cabigao Bismonte; Noemi Goyena Navarro; and Amelia Serapio Llaguilles.

Photo by Leonor C. Bismonte Sister Maribel Carceller joined the Religious of the Sacred Heart and served as Superior of the Philippine District before she was assigned to Northern Samar for 25 years where she was the executive director of the Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education Foundation. She is our only classmate who remains a nun.

Norma Rubio nee Balana graduated from our class with honors and was our class champion dancer. She retired after 24 years and lives with her husband Diego Rubio, Ph.D. in Virginia Beach. She has been chair of the Peñafrancia Celebration for the past 17 years because she does such a good job she gets re-elected every year. She adores her two grandsons from their daughter Theresa and her husband Ted. Son James is a musical composer in NYC. Angelita Altea is devoted to her work and never married. She was the caregiver of a physically handicapped Harvard Professor Paul Weiler for 23 THE FILAM

years until he passed three years ago.

He pioneered the Sports and Entertainment at Harvard and was well revered by the sports industry in the U.S. and also in Canada, his birth country.

She feels so honored to work for him.

Because of her work, she has been able to fund the college education of her 15 nephews and nieces. A truly heroic overseas worker.

Josefina Perez nee Ruivivar is a retired nurse whose husband Johnny Perez, MD recently died of heart failure after a long illness. They have three children and nine grandchildren.

Babie Chua nee Filipinas Lianko is a retired accountant and lives in Las Vegas with her husband Benjie Chua.

We all tease her that she is so blessed to marry a saint because Benjie does everything she wants him to do.

Noemi Navarro nee Goyena is the only one among us who is still working. She is an accountant with the Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Los Angeles. Her husband | 4

Rod has already retired from the Department of Public Works, Engineering Division, and is now her personal Uber service as she does not drive. They have two daughters and three grandchildren ages 26, 13 and 11.

Ammie Laguilles nee Serapio was very quiet during our high school days but now has blossomed into a gregarious self-confident retired executive from the U.S. Federal Government.

She and her husband Jerome Laguilles are ballroom dancers and entered into competition during their early years.

They visited Buenos Aires to improve their Argentine Tango. They have three married sons and six grandkids.

Jennie Chan nee Yap worked all her adult life at the United Nations as chief of the payment section of the Pension funds. She and her late husband Tom have two sons: David, an industrial engineer who works in Siemens, and Jason, a computer engineer employed by Merck. Tom died six years ago so Jennie had to sell her home and moved to an adult community.

Two friends who are not members of our class 1959 joined us. Marilou Bibera who lives in Las Vegas and has been a tremendous help in keeping an eye on some classmates whose heart is not as strong as before. The other non-classmate is Margot Goyena Datuin, who is the younger sister of Noemi Goyena Navarro and also a graduate of SAA. After our reunion, the two of them were flying to Paris, France.

As we said goodbye to one another, we all knew what tremendous blessings we have had from our education at St. Agnes Academy, habits and values that enable us to overcome the hurdles and challenges in life.

“Ora et Labora” works.

Kabisera’s Augelyn Francisco

Diana Manalang of Little Chef Little Café in Long Island City. Photos by Lindy Rosales

3 Filipina chefs wow at wine & food festival

F

ilipino representation was alive and well at the New York City Wine & Food Festival from October 12 to 15 where the epicurean and the adventurous eaters shared a space and had fine conversations. In one segment of the festival titled, Spritz Society’s Disco and Drinks, three Filipino American chefs presented their food creations at the Harbor NYC Rooftop.

Augelyn Francisco, owner of Kabisera, a Lower East Side coffee shop, served her Seafood Maki. The dish is Tinapa (smoked milk fish) in Adobo rice maki roll.

She, and two assistants, prepared rolls good for 700 people. This is the second time Augelyn was asked to participate in this invitation-only event.

“Nag prepare na ako ahead of time. Kasi alam ko pag nakapasok na lahat ng tao, babalik-balik pa yan sila, pag natikman ang pagkain mo,” she said.

And as fast as they served new portions of Seafood Maki, the table would be empty again. Augelyn is the co-founder of Philippines Fest, a street festival where chefs and entrepreneurs sell their food items and drinks. She has been organizing all-day fairs, one in Times Square and a two-day fest in Atlanta, Georgia.

Her Kabisera is set to open a new location in Gotham West Market on November 15.

Chef and baker Kimberly Camara of Kora said it is her first time to participate in the Wine & Food Festival. She lost her job during the pandemic and started making donuts out of her Woodside apartment. The donuts are pre-ordered and picked up on certain days. She received an invitation from NYCWFF, exchanged information with the

By Lindy Rosales

Kimberly Camara of Kora organizers, and agreed to participate in the festival.

However she is no stranger to this event. Kimberly said she used to volunteer at the festival when she was in high school.

“It’s super cool. I’ve been to the events previously so I knew what I was going into. But it’s definitely such an honor,” she said.

Kora is known for its Filipino-inspired donuts but Kimberly wanted to showcase something different. For the festival, she proudly presented her signature crème puff called Passion and Pride Choux, made of choux au craquelin, passionfruit THE FILAM

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curd, and whipped Auro 32% chocolate chantilly.

Auro Chocolates reached out to Kora very early on when their business started. Their first collaboration was for a Valentine’s Day event a year and a half ago.

Then Kimberly and co-founder Kevin Borja went to Davao City to see how Auro Chocolates are grown and met the farmers who are growing the cacao beans and actually produce the chocolates.

“It was such an amazing experience. So we officially became an ambassador for Auro Chocolates, just a few months ago,” she said.

On their display table were samples of white, milk and dark chocolates for guests to sample and savor.

Kora products can be ordered through their website and picked up in Woodside, Queens.

Chef Diana Manalang was a first-timer to the festival. She was invited to participate in this event as owner of Little Chef Little Cafe. Manalang showcased her Chicken Adobo Tostadas (like a flat Taco). The dish of corn tostadas is topped with garlic rice, chicken adobo and pickled cucumber.

The dainty morsel can be eaten in one bite. But one bite is never enough as people just kept coming back for more.

“It’s really an honor and it’s super exciting. Yeah, this is great,” Diana gushed.

Asked why she choose Chicken Adobo, she said, “Well, because I am Filipino American. It’s very important for me to represent my culture and my flavors. You know it’s my mother’s recipe made better by me, of course. It’s something that’s familiar and also new to some people, and also very delicious”.

‘Humbled and honored: Celebrating the achievements of LGBTQ FilAms

A

By Cristina DC Pastor

jewelry designer, a TV journalist, and a makeup artist for CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell were among the nine Filipinos who were honored November 26 in PAFCOM’S 1st Gawad Pinoy Pride.

Reagan John Rada who owns RJP Gem, the only Filipino-owned jewelry and gem store in Manhattan’s Diamond District; The Filipino Channel’s multi-awarded correspondent Don Tagala; and Ally Castle, a trans Pinay who is a makeup artist for CBS’ O’Donnell were recognized for their “outstanding achievements.”

Also receiving the awards were Math teacher Johjoh Demol-Jenae, aesthetician and salon owner Apple Miranda, nurse manager Jackie Baras, primary care provider Mario Sanchez, entrepreneur and CEO/owner of Popsie’s LLC Marisse Panlilio, and compliance officer Alex Esteban.

Alex Esteban

Awardees hoist the rainbow flag that symbolizes LGBT Pride. Photos by Ness Bantog

JohJoh Demol-Jenae

Marisse Panlilio

Mario Sanchez “I am the person I am today because of my roots in the Philippines, and the woman I’ve become in the land that embraced and validated me for everything I am,” said Ally Castle (Castillo) in a tearful speech.

She said it is “touching” that her first award came from her fellow Filipinos who have made a mark here

Apple Miranda and Reagan John Rada

in the U.S. “In the end,” she said, “we may all have decided to pursue our paths outside our native homeland, but our hearts remain as proud Filipinos forever.”

Reagan John Rada who carved a name for himself in the jewelry industry, recalled how he was bullied as a queer kid growing up in the Philippines.

“I’ve always felt that I was inferior and inadequate; and often bullied and mocked for living my truth. This event proves that we can overcome adversity and exceed in any field we choose regardless of our sexual preferences,” he said to enthusiastic applause.

Rada, who started out as a cleaning boy in a jewelry store in Los Angeles learned the ropes and started designing gems. His artistic skills caught the attention of actress Elizabeth Taylor who invited him to work for her The House of Taylor Jewelry Company.

Alex Esteban, who is a compliance officer for a nonprofit children’s services, said the Gawad Pinoy Pride reflects the importance of acknowledging the invaluable contributions and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.

He said his wish is that “together, we will continue to break down barriers, shatter stereotypes, and build a more inclusive world where love unites us all.”

Gawad Pinoy Pride organizer and former PAFCOM President Roxanne Cajigas said the award is given to individuals of diverse gender identities. Hopefully, she said, it will inspire other FilAms and somehow “lessen the stigma and hate” against the LGBTQ community in America.

Jackie Baras with Gawad Pinoy Pride organizer and PAFCOM President Roxanne Cajigas.

Ally Castle receives her plaque and trophy from guest of honor Dr. Dely Go (left) and PAFCOM board chair Dr. Connie Uy. THE FILAM

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Beckham: Pop culture icon, football hero, family man

By Wendell Gaa

David Beckham is arguably the greatest football (or soccer as it’s known in the U.S.) athlete to never have won a World Cup trophy. Of course, that view is subjective and there can be countless arguments how several of his other football peers from other countries could be just as gifted, if not more. Regardless of what you may think, there is no doubt that he is a pop cultural icon of England and for the sport.

One of the greatest football midfielders of his generation. Photos: Netflix

I

personally have not always been a close admirer of the sport of football, at least not until I got hooked into the thrill of watching the game beginning with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when Germany took home the top trophy. Since then, my interest in standout football athletes has steadily grown, including of course David Beckham himself.

Thankfully for people like me who are fascinated to learn more about his life as both an athlete and family man, the sports documentary series “Beckham” is now available for streaming on Netflix.

As a viewer who never followed his career closely while he was an active player, “Beckham” is a solid, thorough and introspective look into David’s storied life from his upbringing in England and his early training and ascension into the world of football through the support of his parents and peers, to

With wife Victoria Beckham: Complex yet enduring marriage his debut as a professional with the famed Manchester United team back in 1992 at the age of 17.

For those unfamiliar with his achievements, we learn from this

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series how his tenure with United was marked with winning the Premier League title six times, and then the Football Association Challenge Club (FA) Cup twice and

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the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League in 1999, before he made an infamous move (especially in the eyes of his fans) to the Real Madrid team of Spain, where he had won the La Liga championship in his final season with them. Whatever has been said of him by fans and non-fans alike, he holds the record of being the first English player to win league titles in England, Spain, France and the U.S., as well as one of the greatest football midfielders of his generation.

It was a further revelation learning how David has transcended his sport in ways like how Michael Jordan has transcended basketball and made a huge impact on global pop culture. Just like Jordan, David has had exposure in Hollywood by way of a small appearance as a prison guard in 2017’s “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.” His namesake was also the inspiration for the 2002 cult film “Bend It Like Beckham” starring British actresses Parminder Nagra, who would go on to co-star in the long-running hit medical TV series “ER,” and a young Keira Knightley before she would score box office success in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films.

The most eye-grabbing aspect of this series for me is definitely the journey of his relationship with his wife Victoria Caroline Beckham, another British icon known to us as Posh Spice, one of the Spice Girls female music band. Listening to her interview of what she endured in her marriage to David, while at the same time weathering the multiple tabloids and rumors about her husband and their whole family, even their children, is quite astonishing and sheds new light into the couples’ sometimes complex, yet enduringly strong marriage which has happily lasted for many years to this day, quite a rarity and grand achievement for celebrity couples!

COVER STORY

Lawyer and suits creative Nikki Agravante Trial lawyer Nikki Agravante is often teased for heading into her “second shift” after coming home from work at her 9-to-5. That “second shift” is the long hours at night, on weekends, and early mornings, which she spends running her women’s suit and workwear brand, Alpha Brava, and balancing the many hats of a founder -creative, marketing, and operations.

“I

’m a lawyer by day and a creative at heart,” she said on the brand website. “For years, my career in the courtroom drove me on a constant search for suits that fit this bill. When I couldn’t find it, I decided to make it.”

The first collection launched on August 29 on alphabrava.com.

Alpha Brava ‘s minimalist suit sets, jackets, and dresses are tailored along simple lines and use earthy colors. The current fall collection focuses on rich blacks and browns.

The brand’s price point reflects the luxe and quality of the fabrics, style, and construction in each piece.

Nikki, who is 35, said her brand “aims to empower women.”

“It is dedicated to elevating women with suits and professional wear,” she said. “Our philosophy focuses on ease and simplicity, to make morning dress decisions easier and your closets more curated with forever staples. To wear wherever your talents, passions, and ambition take you.”

||Immigrant Journey

A first-generation Filipino American, she immigrated to the U.S. in 1992 with her family from San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, by way of Cebu. She was 4 years old then. She attended New York University for college and the University of California, Davis for law school. Her family is from Negros, but Nikki was born

Filipina representation in law and fashion

Nikki preparing model for a photo shoot. in Cebu, where her parents, Atic and Tess Agravante, met and went to college.

“My mom studied physical therapy and Pops studied aeronautical engineering to become a pilot. Even

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though they were educated, jobs were scarce. So was money and even, sometimes, food. I grew up living with my parents, titas, titos, and extended family in a small house on Sikatuna Street (in Cebu City). We didn’t have

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much, but looking back at that time, I just remember feeling togetherness and love,” she shared her modest backstory with The FilAm. Like all immigrants, her parents left behind everything that was

familiar to them—their home, their family, their culture—for a chance at a better life.

“When I was 3, my mom left for the United States on an H1 visa to work as a physical therapist in Florida. She petitioned my dad and me, so we arrived here one year later.

I didn't know a word of English.”

||Law and fashion

The practice of law runs in Nikki’s family. She’s a fourth-generation lawyer. Her grand-uncle is the late Justice Regalado Maambong, who was also former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner and one of the drafters of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. As for being creative? It’s something she’s born with as a Filipina.

“While I've been a trial lawyer since graduating law school, I've always been passionate about fashion,” she said when reached by The FilAm. She said the story of Alpha Brava can highlight the importance of Filipino representation in the law, business, and entrepreneurship, especially for young women.

“As a lawyer and entrepreneur, I know there isn’t enough representation of Filipinos in law or business. It’s so important to highlight Filipino faces because it's not only critical to increasing community and support for those currently in our industries, but it encourages and engages the future generation to enter them, too.”

For Nikki, perspective and gratitude are important values that drive her work.

“I love what I do. I decided a long time ago—after taking on positions that felt less than fulfilling—that no matter where my career took me, the work would be meaningful and stand for something,” she said.

That’s exactly how she feels about her legal career in public service and as a creator developing a brand that cheers ambitious women, helping them feel confident and ready to take on the day. -- Cristina DC Pastor As for what's next, you can catch Alpha Brava at the upcoming MAUM Market pop-up shops in Los Angeles. Join them: -Sunday, December 10 at Platform LA -Saturday, December 16 at ROW DTLA

Nikki with parents – dad Atic and Mom Tess -- when she graduated from UC Davis Law School in 2014. Photos courtesy of Nikki Agravante

Alpha Brava’s signature style: Tailored, minimalist, earthy colors.

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Calendar

||November 11 to January 13, 2024

Women’s Liberation is a Revolution

by Af3irm School of Women’s Activism Contact www.af3irm.org for details

||December 2

Crab Boodle Fight (to benefit cancer patients) Christ Crossman United Methodist Church 384 N. Washington Street Falls Church, VA

||December 4 to 12

Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center 556 Fifth Avenue NYC

||December 8 to14

Asian Persuasion limited NYC theatrical release Angelika Theater 18 W. Houston St. NYC

of Events

||December 15

Harmony for the Holidays: A festive Christmas concert 58 Manor Lounge 58-02 37th Avenue Woodside NYC

||December 16

Christmas Masquerade Ball by the Philippine Nurses Association of New York, Inc. Terrace on the Park 52-11 111th Street Queens NYC

||December 2

Simbang Gabi sa Katedral St. Patrick’s Cathedral Fifth Avenue (between 50th and 51st streets) NYC Contact Betty Buenviaje at 336-251-7968

||December 3

Red Poinsettia Grand Ball Leonard’s Palazzo 555 Northern Blvd.

Great Neck N.Y.

||December 3 to 17

Export Quality, a play based on true stories of mail-order brides from the Philippines HERE Arts Center 145 Sixth Avenue NYC

||December 4

Darren Criss: A Very Darren Crissmas Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre Basie Center Campus 99 Monmouth Street Red Bank, N.J.

||December 9

||January 7

The Battle of the Comedy Queens for the benefit of MILA Foundation 58 Manor/ D’ Haven 5802 37th Avenue Woodside, NYC

Sinulog sa Katedral: Celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 89 Ridge Street Newark N.J.

||December 10

||January 7 to 27

Winter on Fire Breslin PAC, Felician University 262 South Main Street Lodi, N.J.

Kinding Sindaw in Honor of Our Ancestors La Mama Galleria 47 Great Jones Street NYC

||December 10

Charity Bowling by the Filipino Amateur League in Connecticut, Inc. Nutmeg Bowl 802 Villa Avenue Fairfield, CT

||2024

||December 16

Pasko in America: The Philippine Christmas Experience American Dream Mall East Rutherford, N.J.

||March 8

Jo Koy World Tour TD Garden 100 Legends Way Boston, MA

|| March 22 Jo Koy World Tour Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA

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Book editor Casey Ebro: In the service of the reader

By Marissa Bañez

Casey Ebro is a FilAm business book editor in New York City. Marissa Bañez is a FilAm children’s book author and attorney in New York City. These are excerpts from their conversation.

Marissa Bañez (MB): Did your background lead you to your career?

Casey Ebro (CE): As a child, I always had a book in my hand. I went to Assumption High School and Ateneo de Manila University, where I studied English literature and history and graduated with honors. I served on the editorial staffs of the student literary publications of both schools. You could say I’ve been an editor since I was 13.

MB: Why did you come to the U.S.?

CE: My older siblings paved the way. My brother was the spokesperson of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC, and my sister had just gotten her MBA from Harvard Business School and was working for a technology company.

I was an editor in Manila, dreaming of a career in publishing. I realized I needed to be in New York City, the world capital of publishing in the English language. I was fortunate enough to receive merit-based scholarships to NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies and finish the two-year program in a year and a half, graduating at the top of my class with an MS in publishing.

MB: Tell me about your professional journey in New York.

CE: I worked my way from editorial assistant to editor at Arcade Publishing, a boutique literary house founded by the editor who introduced Samuel Beckett’s works to America.

My employer valued the concept of diversity, so being different is precisely what appealed to the team—that I would bring a unique perspective that would enrich our work. Arcade sponsored my work visa and green card, which was unusual because even large publishing houses today won’t sponsor work visas for entry-level positions.

At Arcade, I published What You Should Know About Politics . . . But Don’t by Jessamyn Conrad and got a blurb from President Obama. I also published The Templars

by Vatican Secret Archives historian Barbara Frale, and Umberto Eco wrote the foreword I solicited.

When Arcade closed, I freelanced for three years, until I joined McGraw Hill as a business book editor.

During my 11 years there, I published multiple Wall Street Journal bestsellers and became an executive editor. As adults, we spend most of our waking hours at work. My books were designed to improve that experience for all professionals, no matter what level or industry. Today, I work with business authors

‘You could say I’ve been an editor since I was 13.’

Casey and the author at a Barnes & Noble bookstore’s business section. to shape their books as an editorial consultant and publishing strategist.

MB: What’s the difference between editor and executive editor?

CE: Bigger revenue goals and responsibilities. I’m very proud of the books I published at McGraw Hill.

Examples include Madoff Talks by Jim Campbell, now the Netflix documentary series Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street; the #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller Connect First by Melanie Katzman; and the New York Times Science bestseller The Digital Doctor by Robert Wachter.

MB: Why be an editor?

CE: I want to use my skills and talents to serve others.

You know the saying “Be the change you want to see in the world”? My mission is to help publish the change that I want to see in the world. The most successful books are written in the service of the reader, to help the reader, to create value for the reader. Nothing is more heartwarming than hearing readers say how one of my books has changed their lives.

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MB: AI – friend or foe?

CE: Books contain an author’s original ideas, lived experiences, and personal stories.

They’re a reflection of our humanity. An editor makes deliberate choices when working on the manuscript to best express the author's message and elevate the work. That’s why an author’s choice of editor is so personal.

Editors are valued for their individual taste and ability to pick and shape winners. You can’t program that.

MB: Any advice for young Filipinos/Filipinas?

CE: Do the little things well. This is how you build trust and earn the opportunity to tackle the big things.

Always ask. As my mom would say, all it costs you is saliva and, chances are, you’ll get what you want.

Get out of your own way. Don’t be the first person to say “no” to yourself. If you have a dream, act on it now!

MB: Favorite place in the Philippines?

CE: Boracay. The white sand, crystal blue waters, stunning sunsets—paradise!

MB: Hobbies?

CE: Besides reading? Traveling. I just went on an African safari. I’m also a foodie.

MB: Favorite food? Why? CE: The homemade air-dried tapa in my grandmother’s house. It brings back great memories of family meals with her. Decades later, we still get wistful about that tapa.

Casey is available for freelance projects. Please reach out to her on LinkedIn.

U.S. government, senators hail the release of Leila de Lima The United States welcomes former Philippine Senator Leila de Lima’s release on bail after nearly seven years of detention on politically motivated drug charges, the State Department said on November 13 through spokesperson Matthew Miller.

“Senator De Lima’s release follows her acquittal in two out of three cases. The United States urges the Philippines to resolve the remaining case against her in a manner that is consistent with its international human rights obligations and commitments,” says the statement issued through the department website.

Two legislators, Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), also released the following statement: “After nearly seven years of unjust detention for defending human rights, former Philippine Senator Leila de Lima is finally free on bail. We welcome this long overdue decision and call on any remaining bogus charges to be dropped once and for all. Her eloquent words upon release about defending democracy and truth and not succumbing to hate amid repression are an inspiration to all of us. We look forward to hosting her soon for a visit to the United States Senate.”

For nearly seven years, de Lima has been held by the government of the Philippines on dubious charges, even after multiple government witnesses recanted. Since her arrest, Senators Markey and Durbin have repeatedly called for her release and for the false charges against her to be dropped.

Senators Markey and Durbin, along with Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fl.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.), also introduced a bipartisan resolution that raised human rights concerns in the Philippines, and specifically noted the cases of Senator de Lima and Maria Ressa, a journalist for the news outlet Rappler that has been the target of government harassment.

U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson writes on X, formerly Twitter: “Welcome news to see Atty. Leila de Lima approved for release at long last. We continue to follow de Lima's case closely and looked forward to seeing the remaining charges against her resolved in accordance with Philippine law.”

After 6 years, 8 months, 21 days, free at last

One of her earliest visitors was former Vice President Leni Robredo. Photos: Leila de Lima/Facebook THE FILAM

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Application Requirements  Accomplished OPHL application form  Latest 2 years Income Tax Return IRS Form 1040 and W2  Latest 2 months payslips or Certificate of Employment with compensation and tenure  Photocopy of 2 valid IDs  Copy of latest 2 months bank statement (Payroll Account)  Copy of Contract to Sell or Reservation Agreement  Copy of Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or OCT

Got questions? Reach us at PNB New York Branch.

Eric B. Bustamante General Manager Tel# 212-790-9616 Emai: bustamanteeb@pnb.com.ph Bernard B. Paliguin Officer for Business Development Tel# 212-790-9646 Email: paliguinbb@pnb.com.ph or visit our PNB New York branches at:

 Manhattan : 561 Seventh Avenue 2nd floor New York, New York 10018

 Queens : 69-18 Roosevelt Avenue.

Woodside New York 11377

PNB OPHL Build your dream home in the Philippines while you’re in abroad.

Fifth Avenue goes car-free for the holidays

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ew York City Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled plans to open the iconic Fifth Avenue, and make it “pedestrian-friendly” for the holiday season.

Under Open Street, the Fifth Avenue corridor will be fully open to pedestrians between 48th Street and 59th Street, in addition to the area around Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. (The Philippine Consulate is on 46th and Fifth and will not be covered within the designated area, but Filipinos who love to take visiting relatives to see Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral will be just as thrilled).

“This dramatic expansion of public space in one of the world’s busiest neighborhoods at this time of year will significantly ease crowding — facilitating access to the iconic holiday window displays and creating a more pleasant holiday environment while also enhancing public safety for New Yorkers and visitors,” Adams said in a press statement.

Fifth Avenue Open Street will run on three Sundays: December 3, 10, and 17 between noon and 6 p.m.

Adams’ bold vision for a pedestrian- and family-friendly Fifth Avenue has also proven beneficial to local businesses. During the program in 2022,

‘Open Streets are good for people and for business.’ businesses saw an additional $3 million in spending — a 6.6 percent increase — according to a study conducted by Mastercard, in partnership with the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) and Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu. “Open Streets are good for people and good for business, and we can’t wait to bring back the iconic Fifth Avenue Open Street this holiday season —

bigger and better than ever,” said the mayor. “I felt the energy walking down the middle of Fifth Avenue last year — it was electric.”

Fifth Avenue Open Street will be open only between 48th Street to 59th Street. Moveable barriers will be placed on the east and west sides of Fifth Avenue, between 48th Street and 52nd Street.

On days the street is not designated an Open Street, beginning in the early afternoon on weekdays and in the morning on weekends, these barriers will be used to repurpose a lane of traffic on each side of the avenue as additional pedestrian space. To accommodate high pedestrian traffic, westbound vehicle right turns will be prohibited from Fifth Avenue onto 47th Street, 49th Street, or 51st Street.

On the designated Sundays, Open Street visitors will be able to enjoy a range of performances and other forms of entertainment on multiple stages, along with street activations. Food and beverage vendors will also serve the area, and public seating will be provided.

“Here in New York City, our streets are our front yards — and especially during the holiday season, New Yorkers deserve wide-open front yards where they can walk, play, and shop,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi.

Filipino caregiver among 24 hostages released by Hamas

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Jimmy Pacheco ‘took care of my Dad with quiet and admirable devotion..

ilipino caregiver Jimmy Pacheco was among the first batch of 24 hostages released out of Gaza, according to an official statement from the Israeli Embassy in Manila on November 25.

“Jimmy is undergoing medical evaluations at Shamir Medical Center to ensure his well-being,” says the statement. “Senior representatives from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside Philippine Ambassador to Israel Junie Laylo, welcomed him. Our thoughts and prayers remain for the safe release of the 200+ hostages still held in captivity by the terror organization Hamas. The Israeli government is committed and will do whatever is needed to bring them back home.”

Pacheco, 33 – whose formal name is Gelienor “Jimmy” Leano Pacheco -- was kidnaped on October 7 from Nir Oz, a kibbutz in Southern Israel when Palestinian Hamas militants carried out a surprise attack on Israel. Reports THE FILAM

say Jimmy, who has been in Israel for five years, has been working as a therapist carer for an 80-year old man named Amitai Ben Zvi for four years.

Jimmy was kidnaped and Ben Zvi died in the fighting.

Elad Zamir, a friend of the family, said Jimmy is a father of three. His wife Clarice Joy Pacheco works as a Casino Supervisor at Cagayan Holiday & Leisure Resort in the Philippines. “Now he's back in Israel.

His family is overjoyed,” he said.

Elad quotes Hagar Madnik, the daughter of Amitai, who praised Jimmy for the care he had given her father.

She said, "Jimmy…Pacheco, is the Filipino caregiver who supported my father for the past four years.

He took care of my Dad with quiet and admirable devotion, always attentive to his needs and supportive in countless ways. He called him 'daddy'. My dad depended on him, and Jimmy took on that responsibility with love and devotion. | 17

“My father was murdered in our house on kibbutz, in the massacre that took place on that terrible Saturday, on October 7th. And Jimmy was kidnapped…”

The call for Jimmy’s release was first aired in a banner at the funeral of Ben Zvi. The family was deeply concerned about his fate and wished that he “return in peace.”

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Eddie de Vega thanked all those who worked behind the scenes for the release of Pacheco.

“Now he is safe. We did it…Our heartfelt thanks to all who made this possible. And I have never been prouder of being a member of the Philippine Foreign Service,” he writes on Facebook.

The whereabouts of another Filipino national, Noralyn Babadilla, remain unknown. She is believed to be also held hostage by the Hamas group, according to reports in Manila.

COVER STORY

Nearly 400 Filipino priests gather in N.J. for historic mass

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or the first time in history, almost 400 Filipino Catholic priests from throughout the U.S. converged on Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart for an October 26 cultural celebration and Mass led by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Vatican’s permanent observer to the United Nations.

The festivities — which were held as part of the National Association of Filipino Priests (NAFP-USA)’s Fourth Assembly — began with a jubilant procession of Filipino Catholics carrying items representing the Philippines’ religious traditions like Simbang Gabi and Sinulog. Archbishop Caccia then presided over a mass where he reflected on his previous role as the Vatican’s Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines, recalling the locals there were as warm to him as the nation’s severely humid climate. He said it was a “joy” seeing so many immigrant priests, whose willingness to move across the globe so that they can spread the gospel is truly admirable.

“To be a disciple is to be a missionary,” Archbishop Caccia said in his homily. “I remember I celebrated a mass in the Philippines where young people went out into the sea and put floating candles in the water to symbolize the light of faith. You priests are all the light because you go and tell the good news to everyone in all The procession led by a flower-festooned image of the Virgin Mary. parts of the world.”

The Cathedral Basilica’s gathering was one of several that occurred during the NAFP-USA’s Fourth Assembly, which ran from October 24-27, the last week of Filipino American History Month. Other noteworthy happenings included an October 25 mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Edmund Whalen of the Archdiocese of New York. Auxiliary Bishop Michael A. Saporito from the Archdiocese of Newark also delivered a keynote address about the topic “Priesthood in a Synodal Church” on October 26 at the Hilton Meadowlands. Finally, Bishop Oscar Solis of the Diocese of Salt Lake City closed out the convention on October 27 by presiding over a mass celebrating the importance of journeying together as Filipino priests.

New Jersey is home to 143,845 Filipinos — according to 2018 U.S. Census Bureau data — with a 2023 Pew Research Center survey finding that most Filipino Americans (54%) identify as Catholic. To engage them, the Archdiocese of Newark’s Filipino Apostolate offers spiritual programs, gatherings, and social justice initiatives.

“The Filipino community is very excited about this mass because our faith is our oxygen,” said Father JM Manolo A. Punzalan, program director for the NAFPUSA’s Fourth Assembly and director of the Arch‘Telling the good news in all parts of the world.’ Photos by Julio Eduardo Herrera/Archdiocese of Newark THE FILAM

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diocese of Newark’s Filipino Apostolate. “Our lives revolve around our religious practice, and our religion is a refuge for us when life gets hard. So, it will be nice to celebrate our devotion. And since many of us are immigrants, this is a chance to catch up with priests we knew back in the Philippines.”

“We all come from different provinces in the Philippines, so this assembly is a way for us to get to know each other, forge real friendships, and build camaraderie,” said Father Punzalan, who added that approximately 99% of the participating Filipino priests are immigrants.

“We’ll share experiences in our ministry and discuss how we can assimilate into the American Church. It’s all about walking together as Filipino priests.”

||About the Archdiocese of Newark The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. The Archdiocese has 212 parishes, 73 Catholic schools, and many missions and ministries.

Hundreds of Masses are celebrated in more than a dozen languages each week. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, leads the Archdiocese with four auxiliary bishops. Together, they serve the northern New Jersey community through faith, education, and social services. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.

New Jersey is home to 143,845 Filipinos, many of them identifying as Catholics.

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Photo by Jaimie Julia Winters

Issue 70, December 2023

Gawad Pinoy Pride Celebrating LGBTQ achievements

Leila de Lima

Freedom after 6 years, 8 months, 21 days

400 Filipino priests One historic mass in N.J.